moderate
7 days
Participants should be comfortable with a mix of light walking, standing during tours, and getting on and off minibuses.
Experience Scotland's Wild West on a 7-day journey from Edinburgh featuring Loch Ness, Isle of Skye, and whisky tastings, all in luxury minibuses with expert guides.
Age 16+ ! • 7 Day Small Group Tours from Edinburgh Including Isle of Skye
Embark on a captivating 7-day journey through Scotland's breathtaking Wild West. Experience stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture, all while traveling in luxury minibuses with expert guides. Highlights include a Loch Ness boat ride, whisky tasting, and visits to iconic sites like Eilean Donan Castle and the Isle of Skye.
Duration: 7 Days
A fabulous tour showing off the very best of Scotland’s amazing Wild West, her scenery, history, cuisine and culture. This is an ideal trip for those that have limited time.
There will be five full touring days, plus the arrival night in Edinburgh before and the last night at either Edinburgh city centre or the airport if you have an early departure flight.
We will pick you up at your Edinburgh Hotel before heading out on your Highland adventure!
We will be using bespoke customised Mercedes Sprinter minibuses, there are 8 individual comfortable seats in each bus with tables and charging points for your devices. There will be no limitations on luggage (Please do not bring the kitchen sink!) The vehicles are being built as we speak so photos to follow! (Did I mention the fridge and the Whisky bar?)
We are fortunate to have gathered some of the best guides in Scotland. Each driver/guide is knowledgeable, flexible, entertaining and fun! One overall pre-requisite that they all share, is their undying love for Scotland.
Let’s take a brief look into what each day will look like.
We chose a city centre hotel right in the heart of the Old Town. Enjoy one of the most vibrant cities in Europe!
People will be arriving at different times and days so make your own way to the city centre.
It’s very easy. From outside the Airport Terminal building, follow the signs for the Trams. They leave every 10 minutes, just get your ticket before you board. Get off at St. Andrews Square and your hotel is only a 5 minute walk. Alternatively, there is the Airlink bus that lets you off at Waverley train station (5 minute walk to your hotel).
If you wish to get a private chauffeur to meet you for an airport transfer, you can book this as an optional extra.
We depart Edinburgh at 9am and head North.
Traverse the Queensferry Crossing over the River Forth into the Kingdom of Fife.
Our first Port of Call will be the pretty town of Dunkeld, still reeling after a fierce battle in 1689. This is great for a coffee/comfort break!
We then head into Scotland’s Tall Tree country, a short low level walk to an amazing waterfall.
Lunch and a water in the Spa town of Pitlochry. We then head North into the Cairngorms National Park. Then cross country to Spean Bridge where we pay our respects to the gallant heroes of WW2, The Royal Marine Commandos, the world first ever ‘Special Services.’ This was their training ground.
Overnight Fort Augustus on Loch Ness.
We head to the Wild West of Scotland towards the stunning Isle of Skye.
Our first port of call will be the amazing 5 Sisters viewpoint before heading to Glenelg (twinned with Mars, believe it or not!) We cross ‘over the sea to Skye’ on a unique ferry, last of its kind in the world. Keep your eyes peeled for massive Sea Eagles and seals. Our first views of Skye will blow your mind and we make our way up the narrow single track roads.
We come off the Island by the Skye Bridge, through back roads to the village of Plockton, known as the ‘Jewel of the Highlands’.
Our last visit will be to stunning Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed Castle in Scotland.
2nd Night in Fort Augustus
First thing this morning, we enjoy a boat ride on Loch Ness (1 hour ) followed by a demonstration of Highland Dress and weaponry. Be careful gents, you might be asked to take part (which may mean removing your trousers!).
Head down through Fort William to stunning Glencoe where we have lunch at the awesome Clachaig Inn.
An optional walk in this most stunning of glens before we make our way through Rannoch Moor to the Trossachs.
Overnight Callander
Today, we venture into the the amazing Trossachs Trail and all of its treasures including the wonderful Dukes Pass, mountain drive.
At Loch Katrine, we can stretch our legs and enjoy the stunning views.
Take in the bicycle tree at Brig o’ Turk, but surely the Highlight of the day is feeding the adorable Hairy Highland Coos!
Lunch will be in a 17th century Inn.
The days finale will be a Whisky Tasting Masterclass, great entertainment. If you dont fancy this…discover the pretty town of Callander.
2nd Night in Callander
After Breakfast we have a short walk to the Bracklinn Falls (Think Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom! ) .
Doune Castle now awaits, used for many TV & movie scenes including Outlander, Game of Thrones, Outlaw King and a very silly film called Monty Python & the Holy Grail.
Visit the amazing Kelpies, a symbol of Scotland’s rich industrial heritage. (Best selfies ever!)
Perhaps, if time allows, the medieval town of Culross is well worth a visit.
Arrive in Edinburgh Circu 5pm.
We drop you off at your city centre accommodation or at an airport hotel.
This accommodation is included in your package so please indicate your preference.
As so many people leave at different times, it’s better for you to make your own way to the airport.
By Bus: Airlink from Waverly Station, every 20 minutes
By Tram from Princes St., every 10 minutes
By Taxi: £30-£40
Alternatively, we can arrange a private Airport transfer. There is an option on booking.
Accommodation:
Transport:
Activities and Sightseeing:
Meals: Lunches and dinners (unless specifically mentioned, e.g., lunch at Clachaig Inn).
Personal Expenses: Personal purchases, souvenirs, and other personal expenses.
Transport to the Starting Point: Transport to the city centre hotel in Edinburgh at the start of the tour. Transport to the airport or onward destinations at the end of the tour.
Optional Extras: Private airport transfer on arrival and departure.
Any additional optional activities or excursions not explicitly mentioned in the itinerary.
Unfortunately, we prefer strangers not to share the same room.
Hotel information will be sent to you. This is where we will meet you and start/end your tour from.
A deposit payment of £500 Per Person is due upon booking ( Including Fees ) with the balance due 60 days before tour start date.
Scotland’s weather can change rapidly; bring waterproof and insulating layers to stay comfortable.
Expect uneven terrain on walks and nature stops—good hiking boots or trail shoes are recommended.
Vehicles have charging ports, but keep your electronics topped up before daily excursions.
Stay hydrated on the go; tap water is safe, so carry a refillable bottle to reduce waste.
The Royal Marine Commandos trained in Spean Bridge during WWII, establishing a unique military heritage in the area.
Efforts to preserve native Scottish flora and fauna are strong in national parks like Cairngorms, where responsible tourism minimizes impact on fragile ecosystems.
Protects against Scotland’s frequent rain and wind during outdoor visits.
Offers support and traction on varied terrain from castle grounds to natural trails.
Useful for carrying essentials like water, snacks, camera, and layers.
Captures the striking landscapes, wildlife, and historic sites visited on the tour.